The appropriateness of a fiber for yarns or fabrics depends on the properties of the fibers.
     They are generally divided according to physical properties, chemical properties and environmental properties.  No
     single property determines the performance; it is the sum of the properties that determines the usefulness of a fiber for
     the end use.

Staple fiber  - a fiber of a definite length, usually natural fibers but manufactured fibers can also be cut to staple lenght.
Filament fiber - a long, continuous fiber.

     Physical Properties - can be observed under a microscope.

     - Color - the natural color of most fibers ranges from very white to very black

     -Shape - is measured in the cross section and longitudinal form; shape affects the appearance,    hand, surface texture,
     body, covering power, and luster.

     - Luster - amount of light reflected by the fiber.

     - Covering power - ability of a material to obscure an object

     - Crimp - wavy, undulating physical structure

     - Diameter or fineness - also known as denier and often referred to as dpf (denier per filament)

     - Density/specific gravity - ratio of weight to unit of volume

     - Strength - tensile force required to break a fiber

     - Elongation - amount of stretching of a fiber under a tensile force

     - Elastic Recovery - recovery after being stretched

     - Resiliency - ability of a fiber to spring back to its natural position after folding, creasing, or
      other deformation.

     - Flexibility - ability to be bent or folded

     - Dimensional stability - stability when exposed to moisture or heat

     - Abrasion resistance - resistance to damage by rubbing or friction of one material against  another

  Chemical Properties

     - Hydrophilic - Absorbs moisture easily

     - Hydrophobic - Does not absorb moisture easily

     - Absorbency - ability of a fiber to absorb or take water into itself.

     -Adsorbency -  the ability of a fiber to retain moisture on its surface

     -Wicking - ability of a fiber to transport moisture along its surface

     -Hygroscopic - ability of a fiber to take up and retain moisture from the air

     -Oleophilic - Has a strong affinity of oil-based substances

     - Electrical conductivity - ability of a fiber to carry or transfer electrical charges.

     - Effect of heat - way in which fibers respond to application of heat
             Thermoplastic fibers melt in the presence of heat

     - Flammability (combustibility) - way in which fibers ignite and burn

     - Chemical Reactivity/Resistance - behavior of materials when exposed to chemical substances.

     Environmental  Properties

     - Sensitivity to Microorganisms and Insects

     - Sensitivity to Environmental Conditions